Schools

Supporters Gear Up For Rally to Support School Millage

The renewal of the 7.98 millage on the Nov. 8 ballot would provide $6.6 million in operating revenue for the district in 2011-12.

Birmingham voters will have the fate of $6.6 million in their hands on Nov. 8, when they go to vote for a millage renewal for .

The ballot proposal would levy up to 7.98 mills to fund the district's general operating expenses, which means residents pay $7.98 per $1,000 in taxable value.

The millage rate would be in effect for the next 10 years and will be levied on non-homestead, or commercial, properties.

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If approved, the measure would provide $6.6 million for the district in 2011-12, or more than 6 percent of the district’s total operating revenues. The funds are largely used for academic programs and student support services.

The current millage, approved in November 2007 by 74 percent of the vote, expires June 30, 2012. Under Michigan’s Proposal A, which governs school funding, the district is required to hold elections to renew local school millages every five years.

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The important thing for residents to realize is that the millage is merely a renewal, said members of the Friends of the Birmingham Public Schools Millage, who are also organizing a millage rally at 7 p.m. tonight at .

That means residents won’t see any increase in their taxes should the millage pass Nov. 8, the group said — they'll simply continue paying the same rates they are now.

“The millage renewal is critical to the success of our schools,” Birmingham’s PTSA President Rebecca Brady said. “The parent-led groups could not replace the funds if they were lost and our schools and community would suffer.”

Should the millage fail, the district would lose more than $6 million in operating revenue per year. Combined with last spring's $470 per-pupil cut in Gov. Rick Snyder’s state budget, this could push the district to lay off teachers, increase class sizes, reduce bus services or cut academic programs, said Stuart Jeffares, co-chair of the Friends of the BPS Millage.

Since the millage is levied on non-homestead, or commercial, properties, Jaffares added that taxes on residents’ homes will not be impacted regardless of whether the millage passes or fails.

So far this year, the Friends group has been visiting curriculum nights around the district and spreading the word through promotional videos, a Facebook group and website.

One of the supporters contributing to the cause is Kelly Sweeney, CEO of , and a 25-year veteran in the Birmingham and Bloomfield real estate market.

According to Sweeney, if the millage fails, property values in the district could also take a hit.

“Traditionally, homes in the Birmingham school district sell at higher prices than those in neighboring school districts,” Sweeney said, noting it’s the strength of the district that drives that market.

Mayor Gordon Rinschler, whose two daughters attended , agrees.

“Birmingham would not be the wonderful city it is without our outstanding schools,” he said.

To get involved

  • Post a yard sign: Contact Laura Burke at labburke@ameritech.net to get your sign.
  • Donate: Contributions can be made out to Friends of BPS and mailed to Friends of BPS, c/o Pam Righter, 965 Adams Castle Drive, Bloomfield Hills MI, 48304.
  • Join the campaign: Contact Cris Braun at crisseb@aol.com.


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